Saints are pretty much doing what I expected them to do in FA. Be wise with their cap money. Instead of overspending for 1 or 2 high profile FA's they've been looking for fiscally smart deals so they can sign a bunch of solid contributors, and re-sign their own players.

As of now 20/22 starters from last season are returning, and they've upgraded at TE, MLB, and added depth to the Safety spot. A huge negative that brings the overall grade down is that the Cornerback position has not been addressed yet.. which is by far the biggest need on the team.

We DID pay our Superbowl coach, so everything prior to that is irrelivant.

We HAD to trade Thomas Jones, and considering the market got good value for him.

"Our pro bowl lb hates us"- What are you five years old? Who cares? This isn't a tea party. He's still contractually on the team, would have been smarter to let him go for nothing?

What important signings would you suggest we make? We don't need to add starters, and with this market it would have been stupid to pay millions of dollars to overrated people that we don't need. The starter that we did add, we got for a paultry 6th round pick and a relatively small contract.

Go back to getting your analysis from Saun Salisbury and friends. It's Bears fans like you that make me glad I left the official board.

it is not irrelevent since the relationship with lovie was damaged and that it was such a public display of weakness and cheapness
I didn't say we didn't have to trade Jones i'm just saying that the mistakes that were made to piss him off were the bad part.
The fact that lance briggs is dissatisfied is also important because it shows that our front office is not doing the right things to get the best production out of its employees. I also never said we should let him go but maybe we should have looked into moving him since that relationship is irreprable. players do things against their contracts all of the time (like hold out or not play ala randy moss).
Also i didn't say that getting archuleta was a bad move just a temporary fix and not that effective and why not pay for people that you can afford? They should have brought someone in to challenge rex for the job too since griese didn't seem to be able to beat him out and that says a lot since rex was so horrrible.

The Buccaneers certainly brought in some interesting players with interesting signing bonuses. Whilst the pickups of guys like Carter on hefty deals might be frowned upon, the deal does not in fact have any bonuses what so ever. Petitgout himself is only receiving 3 million in guarantees.

With Petitgout you get yourself a solid starter at LT and a definite upgrade. Garcia/Plummer give the Bucs healthy competition going into TC which was a must. Carter and Chukwurah add some depth to the D-Line which was at times pitiful last year. And Cato June is a player who is an ideal fit for our defense and should thrive.

Overall Grade: A-

I would have to disagree with you.
Jake Plummer- Won't even compete in training camp and until I hear anything about him getting traded or showing up this is very very bad. Pros: WCO veteran: Trade bait?: Mobile QBCons: So far he's retired!: We are paying 3 Qb's starting $: We gave something for nothing.Grade: D-

Jeff Garcia- On paper this signing looks flawless, Veteran, expert WCO signal caller, relatively cheap for his ability. The negatives are hidden within the roster. I believe he will not only inflate the Buc's amount of Wins but deter Chris Simm's progression that will be needed when or if Jon Gruden leaves.
Pros: Mentor Gradkowski?: Good spirit guy: Team Leader: Gets it done: Semi mobileCons: Aging: Gets it done but playoff liability?: Stopping Simms' progress?: Arm strength?Grade: C+

Cato June- Another "flawless" signing. He fits the system(He was Dungy's Derrick Brooks), he is young, He signed for cheap. Once again look beyond the obvious. First of all due to our current players the positions he has grown accustomed to playing in are already filled with veterans(Nece) or legends(Brooks). The Strong Side LB is the least meaningful position in the Tampa 2 and the Buc's already have someone who fits that spot nicely. They did not sign a Brooks clone in order for him to play such a position. So not only do the Buc's have to find a position for him to play in he might have to wait a season or two before he plays Weak Side LB. There is a possibility that Brooks may be willing to move positions but I do not believe Kiffen(DC) would ask him to do something like that. It is also believed that if June outplays his contract it would be guaranteed that he would ask for an extension or more likely a completely new contract so throw the "cheap" contract out.Pros: Fits system perfectly: Cheap: Versatile:
Cons: Poor tackler: Converted safety: Can he make up for his size with play?: Where will he play?Grade: B

Sammy Davis- Nothing to say. He is a bust. We have two young corners in the wings named Zemaitis and Phillip Buchanan(P-Buc) and you can bet we will pick up more in the draft or next years draft. Ronde Barber, Juran Bolden and Brian Kelly are serviceable.Grade: Training Camp fodder=F

Lance LeGree- Once again another signing that will probably amount to nothing. He won't make a difference and will struggle to make the roster.Pros: Cheap: Project player: Depth?Cons: TC fodder?: Never produced anywhereGrade: C

Kevin Carter- An experienced veteran who can bring some leadership and experience to a soon to be very young D-Line. I don't question his ability(I question his speed) but I have to wonder about his work ethic. After the first year in his contract no money is guaranteed and the only reason he signed in Tampa is to stay if Florida(am I off base?). He has excelled in the 3-4 but can he play the same way in the 4-3. Does he play DE and DT or both?Pros: Cheap: Experienced veteran: Play DE and DT?: LeaderCons: Doesn't have the speed from earlier in career: Washed up?: Lazy?Grade: A- (Even if he fails his cheapness to ability ratio is too large)

Luke Petitgout- He blocked for Tiki which is all I needed to hear.....Until I saw his injury history, penalty problems, and the size of his contract. He has a high risk/high reward contract. IF he performs to his contract and ability he will be a bargain but if not we are stuck with an unfriendly cap hit. He was had a broken leg and back injuries both of which are very bad to have when you are an offensive lineman. He is 30 years old and turns 31 this June so for most O-Lineman his prime should be around the corner.Pros: Mean streak: Versatile: Leader?: Good all-around player
Cons: Drive killing penalties: Injury history: Grade: B-

Patrick Chukwurah- He signed for the cheapest of cheap(5 yr $5.5 Million) so no matter had bad or good he does I don't care. He will be a situational 3rd down pass-rusher and blitzer. Good for depth.Pros: Cheap: Entering prime: Good pass-rusherCons: Journeyman: Never really produced anywhere: tweener which doesn't work in Tampa 2Grade: A

Overall Grade- C
We paid for experience and depth. We got versatility and depth for both trenches but we injected age into an old team. We spent a lot but didn't get too much in return. Plenty of maybes but not too many sure things.

it is not irrelevent since the relationship with lovie was damaged and that it was such a public display of weakness and cheapness
I didn't say we didn't have to trade Jones i'm just saying that the mistakes that were made to piss him off were the bad part.
The fact that lance briggs is dissatisfied is also important because it shows that our front office is not doing the right things to get the best production out of its employees. I also never said we should let him go but maybe we should have looked into moving him since that relationship is irreprable. players do things against their contracts all of the time (like hold out or not play ala randy moss).
Also i didn't say that getting archuleta was a bad move just a temporary fix and not that effective and why not pay for people that you can afford? They should have brought someone in to challenge rex for the job too since griese didn't seem to be able to beat him out and that says a lot since rex was so horrrible.

The relationship with Lovie is fine. He's paid like a top 10 coach now, all of his assistants were given extensions, and we allowed him to get rid of Rivera and promote Babich, his guy.

What mistakes were made, this offseason, to upset Thomas Jones? Name one.

Who cares if Lance Briggs is upset? Like you said, this kind of stuff happens all the time.

Good franchises should want guys to occasional be upset with their contracts. The Redskins throw money around like it's candy and they suck ass. Teams like the Pats and Eagles make players fight for each dime and it shows in the end. We offered Briggs a nice contract, he didn't want it, something will work out. Franchising Briggs was absolutely the right move and just because nothing has come of it now doesn't mean it won't. It's March. That's hardly a reason to give us an F-.

Who should we bring in at Quarterback? I don't think the Bears staff ever considered promoting Griese because they like Grossman at quarterback. Griese is one of the best backups out there and I would say he's better than anyone available. Would signing Drew Bledsoe or Brad Johnson really have improved things? And please don't bring up David Carr. I'd love to hear some reasoning why Carr is a better alternative than what we already have. If we want a guy that constantly dumps off to the runningback we can put Orton back in there.

We aren't wasting money because we don't have to. We have good players on our team. The objective is to resign those that are worth giving the big money to, and that will slowly work itself out. There's no reason to do something just to pacify stupid fans that don't know any better.

Again, stop getting your input from ESPN and think about this stuff objectively.

Considering what Willis had done the team wanted to get rid of him before they would end up with nothing. Got 3 draft picks out of it and 2 first day picks, well one if you count next years third as a fourth this year. B-

- FBDaimon Shelton (No Team) - Will not be offered a contract.

Not a great runner or receiver. A decent blocker who can be replaced.

- WRTroy Bergeron (No Team) - Released on 2/15.

Never really heard anything about this guy, no harm done.

- OLMatt Morgan (No Team) - ERFA not offered contract, now UFA.

Same as Bergeron.

- OGChris Villarrial (No Team) - Released on 3/1. Savings Unknown.

An old man who is often injured and is an average starter. Probably worth the cut because he had a moderately large salary from what I remember.

- OGTutan Reyes (No Team) - Released on 3/6. Savins Unknown.

Started the first few games before the bye week and then was replaced after the shuffle.

Dolphins- C
Not a fan of the Porter signing at this point. I really liked the Welker trade along with bringing in Az Hakim to replace him. We got rid of a lot of overpriced trash and didn't bring much in. Getting rid of McMichael for David Martin is questionable, the Feely for Mare move didn't help or hurt. Some questionable moves, some good ones. Resigning both DTs was a plus. Bringing in Trent Green depending on the trade would be a good move.

Dolphins- C
Not a fan of the Porter signing at this point. I really liked the Welker trade along with bringing in Az Hakim to replace him. We got rid of a lot of overpriced trash and didn't bring much in. Getting rid of McMichael for David Martin is questionable, the Feely for Mare move didn't help or hurt. Some questionable moves, some good ones. Resigning both DTs was a plus. Bringing in Trent Green depending on the trade would be a good move.

I also think that you guys got the better part of the Welker trade easily. Hakim will be fine. I know how you feel, except the Bucs brought in more trash and let go of little. Green will do well in Miami if he ends up with you guys. I think Porter will excel in your scheme, he will bring a massive blitz force and attitude(unwanted?).

Right now I would rate it a B+. Only because it still remains to be seen if we trade Michael Turner and what we get in return for him.

We made one very SIGNIFICANT free agent signing and that was wooing Chris Dielman our nasty, gritty guard back to the Chargers for less than both Seattle and Cleveland were offering. There was no way our line would have been better than middle of the pack without him.

The team also resigned all the Restricted Free Agents we wanted to keep with the exception of Randall Godfrey, and he may end up signing too before all is said and done.

I'm extremely proud of ownership and our personnel folks for taking care of our own great players and keeping them in the fold. Thats the way to build a championship team for years to come.

Right now I would rate it a B+. Only because it still remains to be seen if we trade Michael Turner and what we get in return for him.

We made one very SIGNIFICANT free agent signing and that was wooing Chris Dielman our nasty, gritty guard back to the Chargers for less than both Seattle and Cleveland were offering. There was no way our line would have been better than middle of the pack without him.

The team also resigned all the Restricted Free Agents we wanted to keep with the exception of Randall Godfrey, and he may end up signing too before all is said and done.

I'm extremely proud of ownership and our personnel folks for taking care of our own great players and keeping them in the fold. Thats the way to build a championship team for years to come.

The Chargers only really made 1 mistake this off-season.
Not keeping Schottenheimer.

I also think that you guys got the better part of the Welker trade easily. Hakim will be fine. I know how you feel, except the Bucs brought in more trash and let go of little. Green will do well in Miami if he ends up with you guys. I think Porter will excel in your scheme, he will bring a massive blitz force and attitude(unwanted?).

I never heard your opinion of Saban so whats he mean to you?

As far as personally, I don't blame him at all for leaving. He is a grown man and has the right to do whatever he wants. He left the team in way better condition than we he got here. I would have liked to see him stay and finish what he started, but he had to do what he had to do.

Nate Clements got an "80 million" dollar contract. I get to see a lot of bills games but i never really zeroed in on clements until the latter part of this season. He played very well against talent like andre johnson and marvin harrison. That being said, according to numerous posters he has been very rocky over the past couple of years is a "on and off" type. So we will see with this signing.

Michael Lewis, SS (Eagles)

Michael Lewis played very bad last year but he did go to a pro bowl so hopefully he can regain that form. As well his contract is full of ungaraunteed roster bonuses only so there should be no cap hit if he plays terrible and is cut at any point of his contract.

Aurbrayo Franklin, NT (Ravens)

Truth be told i dont know a lot about this guy. But hes a true NT and thats something we needed. Hes the starter but he will likely be used in a rotation.

Tully Banta-Cain, OLB (Patriots)

I certainly hope there is some untapped talent in him. He was stuck in the dept chart behind willie mcciginest and rosevelt colvin, so its not like he had to beat out nobodies. Wasnt great in PT but he showed some pass rushing capabilities and hopefully he brings it to the bay.

Ashley Lelie, WR (Falcons)

I'm not a huge fan but he is pretty good at YPC and signed a very cheap deal. Hopefully he has a chip on his shoulder and can produce.

Colby Bockwoldt, LB (Titans)

I dont know anything about him. Was a 7th round pick from NO that got to start a few games so hopefully that bodes well for us. Main reason he came was because he knew our ST coach Al Everest from his playing days in New Orleans. Likely a ST ace but could be used in rotational packages.

That was pretty much it for FA's. But there was a lot more that happened. The 49ers had to replace their OC (Norv Turner) DC (Billy Davis) and ST coach (Larry Mac Duff). They replaced OC Turner with Jim Hostler, Alex Smith's QB Coach. Definitely a downgrade and unproven. Greg Manusky replaced DC Davis. I really like manusky. He was the LB coach in San Diego and produced great LB play from the likes of merriman, edwards, phillips, and foley, who all blossomed under his coaching. Also, he was going to be a DC this offseason. Phillips wanted him in Dallas, and AJ Smith wanted him in San Diego. This tells me he was a rising star in the coaching ranks and im excited to see what he brings. I heard Everest had a pretty decent ST in New Orleans and helped Michael Lewis in returns there, so hopefully he brings it here as well.

I like the additions the 49ers have made. Weve lost some players like TE Eric Johnson, but with davis johnson wasnt going to get a chance to start. I also really wanted adalius but he did not want to be in SF because it was in the west coast (read it in a peter king article) and he did not want to be away from his family in the east coast. So we did the best we could in the situation. We also lost Antonio Bryant but his off the field problems were just too big. I dont think he has even been contacted by any other teams and it isnt because of any talent issues. He would be on his 3rd team in 3 years if he signed with someone else, and 4th team overall in his young career.

Overall i would grade it a B.

I give you guys at least an A- pending on if Michael Lewsis can rejuvenate himself.

As far as personally, I don't blame him at all for leaving. He is a grown man and has the right to do whatever he wants. He left the team in way better condition than we he got here. I would have liked to see him stay and finish what he started, but he had to do what he had to do.

So this leads me to another question...
Who is Keak?
And have you seen a picture of Scott Wright?

The Chargers only really made 1 mistake this off-season.
Not keeping Schottenheimer.

Well, I guess that remains to be seen. I liked Marty, but some rumors about his ridiculous behavior in the playoff game, especially going for it on 4th and 11, makes me wonder if he really could have got the team to the big dance. I'm pretty impressed with the Troika they brought in with Norv shaping the offense and Cottrell and Rivera leading the defense. I think Norvy doesn't have to do all that much with the pieces we have in place, the players are pretty motivated after being humiliated in the playoffs last season.

The relationship with Lovie is fine. He's paid like a top 10 coach now, all of his assistants were given extensions, and we allowed him to get rid of Rivera and promote Babich, his guy.

What mistakes were made, this offseason, to upset Thomas Jones? Name one.

Who cares if Lance Briggs is upset? Like you said, this kind of stuff happens all the time.

Good franchises should want guys to occasional be upset with their contracts. The Redskins throw money around like it's candy and they suck ass. Teams like the Pats and Eagles make players fight for each dime and it shows in the end. We offered Briggs a nice contract, he didn't want it, something will work out. Franchising Briggs was absolutely the right move and just because nothing has come of it now doesn't mean it won't. It's March. That's hardly a reason to give us an F-.

Who should we bring in at Quarterback? I don't think the Bears staff ever considered promoting Griese because they like Grossman at quarterback. Griese is one of the best backups out there and I would say he's better than anyone available. Would signing Drew Bledsoe or Brad Johnson really have improved things? And please don't bring up David Carr. I'd love to hear some reasoning why Carr is a better alternative than what we already have. If we want a guy that constantly dumps off to the runningback we can put Orton back in there.

We aren't wasting money because we don't have to. We have good players on our team. The objective is to resign those that are worth giving the big money to, and that will slowly work itself out. There's no reason to do something just to pacify stupid fans that don't know any better.

Again, stop getting your input from ESPN and think about this stuff objectively.